The Department of State Services (DSS) has transferred the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to a custodial centre in Sokoto, following his conviction for terrorism.
Kanu’s legal consultant, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development on Friday, saying the IPOB leader was moved from DSS custody in Abuja.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers,” Ejimakor wrote on his social media handle.
A source familiar with the case also told newsmen that the relocation had taken place but declined further comments.
“It’s true. That’s all I can say for now,” the source said.
Kanu was on Thursday convicted by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who found him guilty on seven counts of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also held that the DSS was permitted to move him to any correctional facility in the country.
The judge upheld the allegations that Kanu deployed acts of terrorism in pursuing a separatist agenda targeting parts of the South-East, South-South, and sections of Benue and Kogi states.
Following the conviction, prosecution counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the maximum penalties prescribed under three of the charges.
He further requested orders for the closure of Kanu’s digital media accounts and his detention in what he called “the safest custodial centre anywhere in Nigeria” to avert possible threats.
